Walmart Statement on Black Friday Events

Nov. 29, 2013 – “This has been the most
successful Black Friday in Walmart's history, with customers receiving bigger
and better savings and an overall safer shopping experience. We're proud of the
hard work our associates have put into making this a great Black Friday for our
customers, and we’re pleased we can provide them with holiday pay equal to an
additional day's work, as well as a 25 percent discount on an entire basket of
goods for their extraordinary efforts.

“Black
Friday is a big stage, and we’re one of the biggest players in the retail
industry. We’re not surprised that those trying to change our industry are
using this platform to get their message out, and we respect their right to be
heard. We expect some demonstrations at our stores today, although far fewer
than what our critics are claiming and with hardly any actual Walmart
associates participating.

“For
our part, we want to be absolutely clear about our jobs, the pay and benefits
we offer our associates, and the role retail jobs play in the U.S. economy. Walmart
provides wages on the higher end of the retail average with full-time and
part-time associates making, on average, close to $12.00 an hour. The majority
of our workforce is full-time, and our average full-time hourly pay is $12.81 an
hour. We are also proud of the benefits we offer our associates,
including affordable health care, performance-based bonuses, education
benefits, and access to a 401K.

“Of
course, we have entry-level jobs and we always will. The real issue isn't where you start. It's where you can go once
you’ve started. Retail is one of the few industries that has jobs at all levels
and ongoing advancement opportunities. Walmart promotes
on average more than 430 associates a day. By year's end, we will have promoted
160,000 associates, including 25,000 this holiday season alone. It’s
businesses like Walmart that can create opportunities for career growth and
greater economic security for families.”